The event, which raises funds to support the next generation of Scottish cycling talent, will return on Saturday, October 18 2025, thanks to the company’s sponsorship and the personal support of its founder and chairman, Gerard Eadie CBE – a long-term supporter of Scottish cycling. 

The Braveheart Ride, which first began in 2004, raises money for the Braveheart Cycling Fund, a charity that provides direct financial support to young Scottish cyclists who do not benefit from national performance programmes. The fund helps cover the cost of coaching, travel, and equipment – often the decisive factor in allowing young riders to stay in the sport.

The event has not been held since 2016, but its return has been made possible through CR Smith’s backing.

Gerard Eadie CBE, who has been a long-term supporter of Scottish cycling and once considered a cycling career himself, said: “CR Smith has always believed in investing in people and potential, and the Braveheart Fund captures that perfectly. It’s about more than developing cyclists – it’s about giving young people the confidence and opportunity to pursue their ambitions.

“We’re proud to play a part in bringing this event back and helping the next generation of Scottish talent reach their goals. The Braveheart Ride has always been about community, effort, and opportunity – values that resonate deeply with us as a business.”

Since its launch 20 years ago, the Braveheart Cycling Fund has helped launch the careers of some of Scotland’s most successful cyclists, including Olympic champions Katie Archibald and Callum Skinner, as well as Olympians Neah Evans and Anna Shackley.

Its tagline, ‘Heroes Don’t Just Happen’, reflects its ethos that champions are built through support, encouragement, and access to opportunity.

The 2025 Braveheart Ride will start from St Joseph’s Academy in Kilmarnock, taking cyclists on an 87km route through the East Ayrshire countryside. The event will be followed by a fundraising Braveheart Dinner at The Park Hotel, Kilmarnock, featuring guest appearances from Olympians Grant Ferguson, and Jack Carlin, alongside former professionals Evan Oliphant, Kate Cullen, and commentator Brian Smith, who co-founded the fund.

Scottish cycling legend Pippa York, who riding as Robert Millar became one of Britain’s greatest ever riders with a Tour de France stage win and the coveted Polka Dot jersey in 1984, will also take part in this year’s ride. She described the Braveheart Fund as ‘a vital lifeline’ for young Scottish riders who fall outside the national track system.

Pippa York said: “The Braveheart Fund has always been something special – the only fund in Scotland that directly supports young cyclists without going through the official system. Cycling has become very expensive, and if you don’t fit the model that British Cycling’s elite programmes are built around, it’s easy to be left behind. Braveheart gives young riders another route.”

This year’s Braveheart-funded riders include Erin Boothman, Ahron Dick, Daisy Wilkinson, and Evan Marsh, who said: “The Braveheart Cycling Fund has been there for me at the start of my cycling season this year. I can honestly say their support made a difference, and I’ll always be thankful for it.”

Kathy Gilchrist, president of Scottish Cycling and organiser of the Braveheart Dinner and Ride, said the event’s return marks a huge moment for the sport.

“The Braveheart Fund has played a huge role in developing some of Scotland’s brightest cycling talents over the past two decades. Its return is fantastic news. Not every promising rider fits into a national performance pathway, so having a fund that provides direct, practical support at grassroots level is invaluable. We’re thrilled that CR Smith has stepped in to make this possible.”

The 2025 event will also celebrate 20 years since the Braveheart Fund was established, with proceeds from the ride and dinner going directly to support emerging Scottish riders across road, track, mountain bike, and BMX disciplines.

Tickets for the Braveheart Ride are now available at £35 for adults and £20 for youth riders on the main route. Dinner tickets are priced at £65 per person or £595 for a table of ten, with all proceeds going to the Braveheart Cycling Fund.